Santiago Calatrava : Buildings

Santiago Calatrava – Key Projects

This September, world-renowned architect, Santiago Calatrava will unveil one of his most ambitious projects to date; the Liege-Guillemins High Speed Railway Station in Belgium.

Liège Guillemins station by Santiago Calatrava:photo : Tim Freh

Designed by Calatrava in order to meet the demands of high-speed rail travel, the Railway Station is the first part of a planned architectural vision for a corporate center in Liege and is already asserting itself as a symbol for the city’s renewal. Upon its opening, the Liege-Guillemins Station will become the heart of the north European high-speed network. Linking England, France, Belgium and Germany (amongst others), the Station’s high-speed trains will shorten travel distances considerably, provide scenic alternatives for leisure travelers, enhance the efficiency of business travelers worldwide and cut costs for the corporations who used to rely on alternative (and more expensive) transportation means.

And with no intention of slowing down, Calatrava has numerous projects throughout cities worldwide. In December, Calatrava will introduce Dublin to the Samuel Beckett Bridge, which pays homage to the city and swings 90 degrees in the horizontal plane to allow ships to pass. In Valencia, the celebrated architect is gearing up to unveil The Agora, a multifunctional complex within Calatrava’s famed City of Arts and Science. The Agora signifies the culmination of the City of Arts and Science, a 20-year design and building project that literally created a city from a vast wasteland and pays homage to the arts and sciences. In Calgary, Calatrava is working on The Peace Bridge, an enclosed footbridge, embedded as a sculptural (yet mathematically derived) element into a naturally landscaped surrounding.

He’s already celebrated in Europe and now Calatrava is quickly becoming a household name in the U.S. Not only was he commissioned to design the new World Trade Center Transportation Hub in Lower Manhattan, but he’s also responsible for the design of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas, which upon completion will provide a new icon for the skyline and assist with the city’s economic revitalization. Calatrava also recently signed on to design his first U.S.-based higher education building for the University of South Florida Polytechnic’s new campus.

A man ahead of his time, Calatrava understands the beauty and aesthetic of design, as well as the pragmatic implementation in how to make it work/function. While a painting can simply be beautiful, a bridge or a school also needs to be functional; and this is where Calatrava soars. To be both an architect and an engineer is rare, yet for Calatrava it’s been a seamless transition; as he is often praised for bridging the gap between the two art forms. His conception of form and function has led to the completion of over 55 acclaimed bridges, transportation centers and educational buildings across the globe – each as visually stunning as they are efficient. His innovative projects and inspirational visions have impacted thousands of individuals on a global scale and will continue to do so.

Santiago Calatrava Projects

World Trade Center Transportation Hub, New York City, USA
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Santiago Calatrava has designed the Transport Interchange on the site, with an
arching skeletal form similar to that used in his French interchange – the
Lyon-Satolas TGV Station.WTC New York : World Trade Center Transportation Hub

The Fordham Spire Chicago – 400 North Lake Shore Drive
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To become the tallest tower in the USA : Chicago Spire

Calatrava Bridges

The three bridges at Haarlemmermeer are called Harp, Cittern and Lute and span
the main canal. The James Joyce Bridge is for pedestrians and crosses over the
River Liffey in Dublin. The Trinity Bridge (featured) is a footbridge over the
River Irwell between Salford and Manchester. The Alameda Bridge is in
Valencia. Finally, the Piazzale Roma Footbridge crosses the Grand Canal in
Venice.